FERRETS AS FUR BEARERS. 181 



have been worth only a few cents each from the 

 fur standpoint but are coming into more general 

 use. The probable value of white weasel fur is 

 from 1100,000 to |250,000 to the trappers of 

 America yearly. The catch varies a good deal 

 but is well up around 500,000 when price of this 

 fur is high. Ferrets are larger, longer furred 

 than weasel with a pelt apparently as well 

 adapted to tanning and manufacturing, with 



SOME NICE FURRY AMERICAN FERRETS. 



wearing qualities better than some skins now 

 used. As the fur bearing animals become scarcer 

 and their pelts command higher prices the gen- 

 eral use of ferret skins will, no doubt, soon be a 

 reality. 



Some years white furs are most in demand; 

 others black is w^anted ; again brown may be the 

 color in general demand. When ferret fur be- 

 comes valuable the raiser can, if his supply is too 

 large, kill off the color that commands best price. 



